Giving directions

Rules

• Rule 1: directions = imperatives

  Use the base verb with no subject, no -s and no -ing. Negative: Don't + verb.

  Pattern: Turn / Go / Walk / Cross / Take …

  Example: Turn right at the traffic light.

  Example: Don't cross here. Use the crosswalk.

• Rule 2: direction words

  go straight (ahead) = don't turn · go past = go by without stopping · take the first/second right · on your left/right.

  Example: Go past the library and take the second left.

  Example: The bakery is on your right.

• Rule 3: place phrases

  next to = beside · across from = on the other side of the street · between A and B · in front of · behind.

  Example: The café is next to the bank.

  Example: The pharmacy is between the bakery and the toy store.

• Rule 4: corners, ends and streets

  A street corner: on the corner. The end: at the end of. A street name: on Main Street. A full address: at 12 Main Street.

  Example: The bank is on the corner of Oak Street and 1st Avenue.

  Example: My school is at the end of this street.

Common mistakes

• The bank is across of the park. → The bank is across from the park.

  American English uses across from.

• Go passed the school. → Go past the school.

  past is a preposition; passed is a verb.

• Turn left when you will see the bank. → Turn left when you see the bank.

  No will after when/until.